Eddy Current Separators

The Eddy Current Separator (ECS) uses a high‑speed magnetic rotor to generate repulsive magnetic forces that separate non‑ferrous metals (like aluminium, copper, zinc) from non‑conductive materials in recycling streams. It’s commonly integrated with a drum magnet that first removes ferrous metals.

Bunting offers four ECS models tailored for different particle sizes and applications:

• High‑Intensity Eccentric (HIE) — for small non‑ferrous metals down to 3 mm

• High‑Intensity Concentric (HIC) — for general use, non‑ferrous metals above 10 mm (16/64")

• R‑Type ECS — for general household recycling, non‑ferrous metals above 25 mm (1")

• Can Sorter (CS) ECS — cost‑efficient option designed for recovering aluminium cans

An Eddy Current Separator consists of a short belt conveyor with its drive located at the return end, and a high-speed magnetic rotor system installed at the discharge end. The magnetic rotor, housed within a separately rotating non-metallic drum, operates at speeds of up to 3,000 revolutions per minute, while the outer drum cover rotates at the same speed as the Eddy Current Separator’s belt conveyor.

As the rotor spins at these high speeds, it produces a changing magnetic field. The strength of this field depends on the rotor's speed and the number of magnetic poles.

When a conductive metal piece passes over the rotor and through this changing magnetic field, an eddy current is induced within it. These eddy currents, in turn, create their own magnetic fields that oppose the original magnetic field (Lenz’s Law). This interaction generates a repulsive force that pushes the object away from the magnetic field (Fleming’s Left-Hand Rule).

Inert, non-conductive materials (such as glass, plastic, etc.) simply fall off the rotor due to gravity—their distance thrown is determined solely by the belt speed. In contrast, conductive metal pieces are repelled and thrown farther from the rotor.

A splitter plate is positioned between these two material streams to enable separation. By adjusting the belt speed, rotor speed, and splitter plate position, the Eddy Current Separator can be configured to suit the specific characteristics of the customer’s material.

The HIE, HIC. and R-Type model feature a cantilever jacking system beneath the hinge frame, allowing one person to lift and hold the conveyor from one side. After drive belt removal, the main belt can be easily and quickly replaced without removing the rotor—minimizing downtime and simplifying maintenance.

• Recover non‑ferrous metals from shredded cars, aluminium cans, WEEE, etc.

• Remove non‑ferrous contaminants from cullet, plastics, woodchip and other waste materials
  Applications span metal recycling, glass re‑melting, plastics reuse, wood processing, and waste-to-energy operations.